n8n
: How to use it, features, and the business problems it solves
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What is n8n?
A workflow automation platform where you connect nodes to automate work and even build in AI agents. Combine 500+ integrations, JavaScript/Python code, and AI Agent nodes on one canvas; self-hosting is free. fair-code licensed (not open source).
Business problems it solves
About "n8n"
What is n8n
n8n is a workflow automation platform where you connect nodes to automate work and can even build in AI agents. Developed by n8n GmbH (Germany), its current tagline is "AI agents and workflows you can see and control." You can combine 500+ integrations, code in JavaScript/Python, and AI agent nodes on a single canvas.
n8n is not "open source" — it is fair-code (Sustainable Use License). The source is public and you may self-host and modify it freely, but there are restrictions on using it to build a product/service that competes with n8n. It's often called "open source," but more precisely it is source-available with some commercial-use restrictions.
n8n's strength is that it combines easy visual node editing with deep code and AI customization. Build trigger → process → branch by drag-and-drop, and write JavaScript/Python where you need it. Attach chat models, tools, and vector stores to an AI Agent node, and you can automate while tracing each step of the agent's reasoning on the canvas.
How to use
Just lay out nodes and connect them, adding code or AI where needed.
Place a trigger
Start with a webhook, schedule, or app event node.
Connect steps
Lay out 500+ integration nodes and branches to build the workflow.
Add code / AI
Write JS/Python where needed; connect LLMs and tools via AI Agent nodes.
Test & run
Re-run single steps to verify, then run in production.
The self-hosted Community Edition is free; to try the managed version, there's a 14-day n8n Cloud trial.
Key features
01Visual + code workflows
Build automations on a node-based canvas while writing JavaScript or Python freely in code nodes where needed. Use 500+ integrations (Slack, Google Sheets, GitHub, OpenAI, and more) and 10,000+ templates, with webhooks and single-step re-runs.
02AI agents / LangChain
Connect a chat model (OpenAI, Anthropic, and more) and tools to an AI Agent node, and the agent decides which tools to call. It also supports vector stores, embeddings, memory, multi-agent orchestration, and MCP (Claude Desktop / Codex, etc.).
03Self-hosting and enterprise
Choose the free Community Edition on your own infrastructure or the fully managed n8n Cloud. Higher tiers add enterprise features like SSO/SAML, Git-based version control, RBAC, audit logs, and on-prem deployment.
Pricing
n8n Cloud is billed by executions. One execution = one full run of a workflow, counted once regardless of steps or data volume. Figures below are the annual-billing monthly rate (in EUR).
| Plan | Monthly (annual) | Executions/mo | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community (self-hosted) | Free | Unlimited (self-run) | Source-available, run on your own server |
| Starter | €20 | 2,500 | Unlimited active workflows |
| Pro | €50 | 10,000 | 20 concurrent, more AI Assistant credits |
| Business | €667 | 40,000 | Self-hosting allowed, 30 concurrent |
| Enterprise | Contact sales | Custom | SSO, audit logs, on-prem, etc. |
Billing is per full execution, not per step. There's a 14-day free trial (Starter/Pro need no credit card), and companies under 20 employees may get 50% off Business. If you self-host, the Community Edition is free. Prices are in EUR and change, so check the official pricing page for the latest (as of August 2026).
How it differs from other automation tools
n8n stands out by combining easy node editing with deep code and AI-agent customization in one tool, with self-hosting available. That's a different center of gravity from no-code-leaning SaaS or tools focused on building AI apps.
| Aspect | n8n | Make | Dify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Automation + AI agents | Visual automation | LLM app building |
| Code | JS/Python | Limited | Mostly prompt/low-code |
| Hosting | Self-host possible | Cloud-centric | Self-host possible |
Alternatives to compare include Make for visual automation and Dify for building LLM apps. If you want to combine integrations, code, and AI agents on one canvas — and self-host when needed — n8n is a strong choice.
Information on this page is based on the official website as of August 2026. Please check the official site for the latest specs and pricing.
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